Prisoner of War Trail Race (50k - 25k - 8mi)

Upstate Race Series  /  Upstate Trail Series  /  Upstate Ultra Series Prisoner of War Trail Race 50K–25K–8 MI Honor. Endurance. Never retreat.

Sat, Oct 24 2026

9:00 AM start

Croft State Park Spartanburg, SC

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Figure-eight loops across 7,000 acres of the old Camp Croft, on roots, rocks, and real elevation. The Semper Fi 8 Mile takes the northern section, the Infantry 25K runs one full loop, and the POW 50K runs two. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center, and you report there each loop.

Runner Feedback  

Race Day Details

Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Croft State Park, 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Get directions.

8:00 AM

Packet pickup opens Begins at 0800 hours at the Activity Center (base camp) on race day. Parking is available on site.

9:00 AM

All races start Prisoner of War Trail Race — POW 50K (two figure-eight loops), Infantry 25K (one loop), and the Semper Fi 8 Mile (northern section)

On course

Figure-eight loops The 50K runs two full figure-eights, the 25K runs one, and the 8 Mile takes the northern section. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center — report there each loop.

1:00 PM

50K first-lap cutoff The 50K has a 4-hour cutoff on the first lap.

Finish

Barracks bash Afterward there is a post-race barracks bash with good tunes, good food, and good people, plus hearty pancakes and soup.

7:00 PM

Time limit 10 hours for all races. The 50K has a 4-hour cutoff on the first lap.

After

Results and photos Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page.

 

Course or Race Highlight

Croft State Park was Camp Croft, an infantry training center that put tens of thousands of soldiers through these woods in the 1940s, and the terrain has not gotten any friendlier since. This is South Carolina's backcountry — genuinely rugged trail with roots, rocks, and climbing that adds up over a long day.

The figure-eight design means you come back through base camp every loop, which makes crewing simple and gives the day a rhythm. Afterward there is a post-race barracks bash with good tunes, good food, and good people, plus hearty pancakes and soup. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

The Course

Figure-eight loops across 7,000 acres of trail: roots, rocks, and real elevation through South Carolina's backcountry. The 50K runs two full figure-eights, the 25K runs one, and the 8 Mile takes the northern section. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center — report there each loop.

View the course map  

Parking

Race weekend is one of Croft State Park's busiest of the year, with campsites, shelters and horse stalls all booked. Park only in the designated race parking areas and follow our crew and the event parking signs at the turn-in.

Do not park in the upper day use lot. That lot is reserved for horse trailers and other park guests.

 

Aid Stations

One centralized aid station at the start/finish, plus an aid station at the trail intersection every 8 miles.

Available snacks

PicklesCookiesChipsFig NewtonsPretzelsAssorted candy

Hydration

WaterCokeGinger ale

Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor — look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.

Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.  

What's Included

✓	Hearty Pancakes and Soup Waiting at base camp when you report in for the last time.

✓	Custom Race Bib Your badge of the journey.

✓	Chip Timing & Live Results Track your effort, splits included.

✓	Race Branded Finisher Medal To commemorate the triumph.

✓	Custom Race Tattoo Wear the moment proudly.

✓	Event-Themed Giveaways A little extra swag for finishing strong.

✓	Race Stickers Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.

✓	Homemade Ration Donations Welcome Bring something for the aid station if you are so inclined.

✓	Post Race Vibes and Media Coverage Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

From past races. See all race photos

 

Race Awards

Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)

The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack.

Age Group Awards (Male & Female)

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event.

Series Recognition

This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in these two series:

Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Ultra Series Age Group Categories

0–9 10–12 13–16 17–19 20–29 30–34 35–39 40–44

45–49 50–54 55–59 60–64 65–69 70–79 80+

 

Giving Back

This race supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate Matches Upstate children with volunteer adult mentors, from offices in Greenville and Spartanburg. They host their own race too: Run for Kids' Sake 5K. Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the UpstateRun for Kids' Sake 5KDonate

Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor. Upstate Giving Series.

 

Groups & Teams

SAVE $5 GROUPS OF 5+ RUN CLUBS & CREWS Run it with your crew. Your club is probably already here. Join it when you register and save when your group hits 5. 1 Find your club 50+ Upstate run clubs are preloaded. 2 Join at sign-up Pick it during registration, or start your own crew. 3 Hit 5 runners Everyone in the group saves $5. Early sign-ups get it back automatically. ALREADY ON THE LIST Upstate Running ClubRockers Run ClubWR@DRunning for BrewsSwamp CommonersHub City RunnersDouble Stamp Run Club+ 44 more Find your clubRegister with your crew

The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.

Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.

 

Good to Know

Are dogs allowed on the course?

Yes

Are headphones or earbuds allowed? Yes, just be mindful of your surroundings. Be careful at trail and road crossings, and be courteous of other runners who may need to pass on narrow trails. Can someone else pick up my packet for me? No — all packet pickup is race day only, so there is no need for anyone else to manage your registration. If you are running late, we can assist you at that time. Is there race-day registration? Yes, you can register on your mobile device until the race starts. Where are the start and finish lines? Both are in the same place, near the horse show ring and activity center. Look for the big green arch. Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items? Yes, drop bags can be left on the picnic tables near the activity center. Are there restrooms near the start/finish? Portable restrooms will be set up between the Activity Center and the park bathroom. The park restrooms and showers are also available pre- and post-race, and there is plenty of woods when nature calls during the event. Is camping offered? Yes — contact the park directly. Will I get a medal or a shirt? All finishers receive a medal, and age group awards are available too. Shirts can be ordered through our Apparel Now site. What happens if there's bad weather? Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays — see Managing Your Registration below. Can spectators come watch? Spectators are welcome. Runner parking fills up race morning — if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby. When will results and photos be available? Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page — we'll tag the album so it's easy to find. Is there cell service at the venue? Cell service is limited here — make a plan with anyone meeting you post-race before you lose signal.  

Managing Your Registration

Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:

✓	Transfer your entry to another runner

✓	Switch to a different distance at this race

✓	Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event

✓	Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size

✓	Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases

All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry. Manage my registration

Let's Stay Connected

Follow along, gear up, and keep up with everything Upstate Race Series

This race Register Course map Directions Race groups Results Race photos Race apparel Manage my registration Series & giving Upstate Trail Series Upstate Ultra Series Upstate Giving Series Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate Run for Kids' Sake 5K Donate Upstate Race Series UpstateRaceSeries.com Info@UpstateRaceSeries.com Instagram @upstateraceseries Facebook: Upstate Event Management Apparel store